Patients can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the government and NHS England on 31 January 2024 to give patients quick and accessible care and ease pressure on GP services.
Community pharmacists will be able to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.
The seven common conditions are:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Infected insect bite
- Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
You can now get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy. GP receptionists, NHS 111 and providers of emergency care will also be able to direct patients to pharmacies, that offer the service, if contacted.
The pharmacist will be able to speak to you privately in a separate consultation room. They may perform an examination or ask to access your medical records. The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best course of action on an individual patient basis, including by issuing prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals where necessary.
All of the pharmacies local to Staffa Health are participating in this service including
Well Pharmacies in Tibshelf, Pilsley and Stonebroom
Blackwell Pharmacy
Skegby Pharmacy
Tesco Clay Cross
Tesco Alfreton
You can search for a pharmacy at www.nhs.uk
By reducing the number of patients with common conditions Pharmacy First aims to free up 10 million GP appointments a year by next winter for more complex diagnosis.
This will give GPs time and space to see patients with more complex conditions.
Four in five people in England can reach a community pharmacy within a 20-minute walk and there are twice as many pharmacies in the most deprived communities, making access to care quicker and more convenient.
